Episodes

  • 1068: The Key to More Joy at Work – Part 2 Burnout, Leadership, and Patient Care Through the Lens of Working Genius - Heather Crockett

    1068: The Key to More Joy at Work – Part 2 Burnout, Leadership, and Patient Care Through the Lens of Working Genius - Heather Crockett
    Jul 3 2026
    Burnout is not always caused by the amount of work someone is doing. It can also result from spending too much time performing work that creates frustration and drains energy. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Heather Crockett, ACT Dental coach, about applying the Working Genius model to burnout, leadership, team responsibilities, and patient care. You will learn how to recognize frustration-based burnout, delegate work according to energy and natural strengths, and use all six working geniuses to improve the patient experience. To create a healthier team and find more joy at work, listen to Episode 1068 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Burnout can result from the type of work someone performs, not only the amount of work assigned.High performers may burn out faster because they try to complete all six types of work at a consistently high level.Promotions can place capable team members into roles that rely heavily on their areas of frustration.Leaders should consider a team member’s energy and working geniuses instead of delegating solely according to available capacity.Each of the six working geniuses contributes differently to treatment planning, communication, follow-through, and patient trust.Team members become more effective in their geniuses when they receive regular opportunities to use and develop them.A fulfilled and energized dental team communicates more effectively and creates a stronger patient experience.Snippets:00:00 Applying Working Genius to burnout, leadership, and patient care.02:43 A review of the six working geniuses.03:43 How working frustrations drain energy.05:18 Why the type of work can cause burnout.06:35 How promotions can move high performers into frustrating work.08:26 What burnout looks like on dental teams.09:40 Why high performers may burn out faster.11:22 Leadership mistakes related to Working Genius.13:31 Delegating according to energy instead of capacity.16:12 How each working genius supports patient care.18:27 Why fulfilled teams create better patient experiences.20:20 Final lessons about burnout, team roles, and contribution.21:42 Taking the assessment and starting a team conversation.22:48 Working Genius education at the Exchange.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.Resources mentioned on the episode:Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Working-Genius-Understand-Frustrations/dp/1637743297Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    25 mins
  • 1069: Metric Mondays: Why Does Sharing Numbers with the Team Feel So Hard? - Miranda Beeson

    1069: Metric Mondays: Why Does Sharing Numbers with the Team Feel So Hard? - Miranda Beeson
    Jul 6 2026
    Sharing numbers with the team can feel difficult for dentists who worry that data will seem cold, corporate, or disconnected from patient care. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, dental hygienist and coach, to explain why sharing metrics feels so hard and how to make those conversations productive, consistent, and patient-centered.You will learn how to connect KPIs to patient outcomes, reduce defensiveness around data, and help your team understand how their roles affect the health of the practice and the patients you serve. To learn how to make metrics a healthier part of your leadership, listen to Episode 1069 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysDentists often struggle more with managing and leading people than with the clinical side of dentistry.Data conversations become difficult when the team only hears about numbers during problems or emergencies.Metrics feel cold when leaders discuss production and collections without connecting them to patient care.Reappointment percentage reflects whether patients are staying on track with preventive care.Treatment acceptance shows whether patients understand the value of recommended care and are moving forward with treatment they want or need.Perio visit percentage helps teams see whether they are proactively addressing periodontal disease.Leaders can make data easier to discuss by explaining what each metric measures, what systems affect it, and how improvement benefits the patient experience.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:13 Meet Miranda Beeson02:27 Miranda explains why many practice owners hesitate to share data.05:27 What happens when practices do not review numbers with the team.06:52 Why KPI reporting can feel like it is only about making more money.10:22 What it looks like when leaders introduce KPIs well.11:10 KPI Examples That Matter14:34 Kirk discusses the compounding effect of stronger perio visit percentages.15:56 Miranda explains why leaders must set the tone around data.16:14 Miranda introduces resources for connecting metrics to patient experience.19:06 Kirk closes by encouraging leaders to share numbers in a way that helps the team and patients.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.Resources mentioned in this episode:To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt/ACT Dental resources: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/For more information about the community, contact gina@actdental.comKPI Mastery: https://www.actdental.com/127More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    20 mins
  • 1070: How One Dentist Reclaimed Control by Ditching Insurance and Prioritizing Quality - Dr. Troy Schmedding

    1070: How One Dentist Reclaimed Control by Ditching Insurance and Prioritizing Quality - Dr. Troy Schmedding
    Jul 8 2026
    Moving away from insurance can create fear for dentists who worry patients will leave, the team will resist, or production will suffer. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Troy Schmedding, a private practice dentist in Walnut Creek, California, to explain how he transitioned out of insurance participation, rebuilt his practice around quality and communication, and created more control over how he practices. You will learn why team alignment matters, how to communicate insurance changes with patients, and why quality and customer service are essential for an out-of-network model. To learn how one dentist reclaimed control by ditching insurance and prioritizing quality, listen to Episode 1070 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Dentists often struggle to leave insurance because of fear and self-limiting beliefs about whether their patients will stay.A practice can become less busy but more productive when it is well-managed and focused on quality care.Going out-of-network requires strong communication with the team and with patients.Patients respond better when the conversation focuses on quality of care rather than complaints about insurance companies.Billing insurance on behalf of patients remains an important customer service step after leaving insurance networks.Patient referrals can become stronger when existing patients value quality, service, and the practice model.A successful out-of-network practice depends on having a team that supports the doctor’s vision and communicates well with patients.Snippets:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Troy Schmedding and the topic of moving away from insurance.01:09 Kirk introduces Dr. Schmedding and the Best Practices Show.04:15 Dr. Schmedding explains how insurance reimbursement cuts influenced his decision-making.06:51 Fear and self-limiting beliefs keep dentists from changing their insurance model.10:49 Team alignment is necessary before making major insurance changes.13:54 Referrals shift when patients understand and value the practice model.15:06 Dr. Schmedding shares his perspective on dentists’ frustration with Delta Dental.17:54 Kirk and Dr. Schmedding discuss the future of out-of-network private practice.21:28 Dr. Schmedding explains what dentists often misunderstand about his practice model.23:00 Dr. Schmedding discusses his upcoming Smile Source Exchange presentation.24:54 Final thoughts & ClosingGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Dr. Troy Schmedding is a honors graduate of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He maintains a private practice in Walnut Creek, Ca. where he focuses on aesthetic and functional dentistry. An Accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he lectures both nationally and internationally on aesthetics and restorative materials. He has also written and published numerous articles on restorative materials and protocols in numerous dental magazines. Dr Schmedding also serves as a Key Opinion Leader for numerous manufacturers helping develop and bring new products to market.Resources mentioned in this episode:Dr. Troy Schmedding on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troyschmeddingdds/Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    26 mins
  • 1071: 1 Simple Way to Eliminate Finger-Pointing in Your Practice - Charlene Marques

    1071: 1 Simple Way to Eliminate Finger-Pointing in Your Practice - Charlene Marques
    Jul 10 2026
    Finger-pointing is often a sign that team members do not have clear ownership of essential practice responsibilities. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Charlene Marques, an ACT Dental coach, about using a function accountability chart to clarify roles, establish measurable accountability, and prevent important tasks from slipping through the cracks. You will learn how consistent reporting, scorecards, and one-on-one feedback can reduce conflict and help team members understand how to succeed in their roles. To create clearer ownership throughout your practice, listen to Episode 1071 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Finger-pointing is usually a symptom of unclear ownership and accountability.A lack of clarity can cause missed follow-ups, aging insurance claims, unsigned treatment plans, ordering mistakes, and scheduling problems.Leaders often respond to unclear accountability by fixing problems themselves, double-checking work, and micromanaging team members.A function accountability chart defines the practice’s major functions, the seats within each function, and the responsibilities assigned to each seat.The responsibilities of each seat should be defined before assigning a person to that seat.Scorecards and key performance indicators help teams identify whether a function is on track or off track.Regular one-on-one conversations provide timely feedback and allow leaders to coach team members throughout the year.Snippets:00:00 Intro02:00 Finger-pointing is a symptom of unclear ownership and accountability.04:17 Common language that reveals an ownership gap.05:00 Operational problems caused by unclear responsibilities.06:10 How practice leaders become fixers and micromanagers.08:21 The purpose of a function accountability chart.09:44 Why the person should be assigned to the seat last.11:00 Creating a consistent rhythm of reporting and feedback.12:00 Using a 90-day scorecard to track functional health.13:47 Tracking insurance aging and outstanding claims.15:24 Why annual performance reviews do not provide enough feedback.16:34 Structuring regular one-on-one check-ins.18:18 How consistent meetings build trust and develop leaders.19:24 Three requirements for reducing finger-pointing.20:21 Function accountability chart and scorecard resources.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:With over 20 years of experience in the administrative side of dentistry, Charlene has become a trusted coach and partner for dental practices looking to reach their full potential. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of helping many dentists turn their visions into reality, creating streamlined systems and protocols that empower both the practice and its team. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the success of a practice as it grows and thrives through thoughtful planning and execution.Outside of work, Charlene enjoys quality time with her husband and their two rescue pets - Ruby, a sweet cat and Harley, a loyal dog. She also cherishes visits to sunny Florida where she spends time with her sister and niece, making the most of family moments whenever possible.With a passion for helping others achieve their goals, Charlene is dedicated to providing exceptional guidance and support to dental practices, ensuring their success for years to come.More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.comgina@actdental.comFree resources: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/
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    22 mins
  • 1072: Metric Mondays: When Insurance Drives the Conversation, Value Gets Lost - Carlie Einarson

    1072: Metric Mondays: When Insurance Drives the Conversation, Value Gets Lost - Carlie Einarson
    Jul 13 2026
    When insurance drives patient conversations, treatment decisions can shift away from health needs and toward coverage limits. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Carlie Einarson, dental practice coach, about changing the way teams discuss insurance, treatment, and patient value. You will learn how insurance-first language affects trust and profitability, which metrics reveal the financial impact of PPO participation, and how to lead with relationships and clinical recommendations instead of benefits. To help patients choose your practice for the care you provide rather than your participation on an insurance list, listen to Episode 1072 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Insurance-centered conversations can cause patients to base treatment decisions on coverage rather than their health needs.Repeatedly mentioning insurance trains patients to view it as the primary decision-maker.PPO adjustments create an effort gap between a practice’s full fee and the amount it ultimately collects.Teams should explain the patient’s condition, recommended treatment, and value of care before discussing benefits.Insurance should be positioned as a benefit that may contribute toward treatment rather than determine treatment.Practices need to track their adjustment and write-off percentages before making informed decisions about PPO participation.Relationship-based conversations help patients choose a practice because they trust the team and the care it provides.Snippets:00:00 When insurance drives the conversation, value gets lost.01:19 Introduction to Metric Mondays and Carlie Einarson.02:32 Why insurance-centered conversations affect treatment decisions.03:37 How practices unintentionally create insurance-focused patients.04:15 Signs that insurance is driving conversations in the practice.05:43 How PPO write-offs create an effort gap.07:25 A relationship-based response to insurance questions.09:07 What insurance conversations look like when a practice gets them right.10:44 Track adjustments, write-offs, and the practice’s effort gap.11:16 Why trust and value should guide patient decisions.13:33 Questions teams can ask to evaluate insurance-focused language.15:09 Create value before discussing price or benefits.15:47 Share the episode with the team and discuss a different approach.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    17 mins
  • 1067: Are We Asking the Right Questions About Clicking Joints? - Dr. Jim McKee

    1067: Are We Asking the Right Questions About Clicking Joints? - Dr. Jim McKee
    Jul 1 2026
    A clicking jaw joint may not hurt, but pain alone does not reveal whether the joint is healthy, stable, or affecting growth and occlusion. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Dr. Jim McKee, a restorative dentist and educator, about evaluating clicking joints from a structural and orthopedic perspective. You will learn how the articular disc supports condylar position, mandibular and maxillary growth, vertical dimension, bone protection, and load distribution, as well as why patient age, malocclusion, and joint anatomy should guide diagnosis. To understand why dentists need to ask better questions about clicking joints, listen to Episode 1067 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:The articular disc acts like a gasket that positions the condyle three-dimensionally and supports a repeatable bite.A displaced disc can affect mandibular and maxillary growth even when the patient does not report pain.Malocclusion can be an early clinical indicator of structurally altered temporomandibular joints.Changes in vertical dimension at the joint level can contribute to excessive loading and breakdown of terminal posterior teeth.MRI and CBCT provide information about soft-tissue and hard-tissue joint anatomy that cannot be determined from symptoms alone.Appliances can redistribute load and support adaptation, but they cannot guarantee that every structurally altered joint will adapt.An asymptomatic clicking joint in a stable adult should be evaluated differently from an asymptomatic clicking joint in a growing patient with malocclusion.Snippets:00:00 Intro02:28 Why pain may be a late-stage indicator of a joint problem.04:31 What a clicking disc may be unable to do compared with a normal disc.08:12 Why teeth are only one part of the occlusal system.10:27 How the disc supports mandibular growth.15:12 How disc displacement may affect maxillary growth.19:35 Why joint diagnosis matters before orthodontic treatment.22:54 Understanding vertical dimension at the joint level.26:44 How the disc protects bone and distributes load.29:42 Using malocclusion to identify patients who may need joint evaluation.36:05 How patient age and occlusal stability change the clinical significance of clicking.38:19 Educational resources for learning joint diagnosis and restorative treatment planning.44:27 Final Takeaways Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Dr. Jim McKee is a restorative dentist and educator focused on occlusion, TMD, and restorative diagnosis. He is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.Resources mentioned in this episode:Stephen Phelan’s online program featuring Dr. Jim McKee’s:https://courses.phelandentalseminars.com/tmd-webinar-wjAdvanced Occlusion Workshop at Spear Education : https://app.speareducation.com/events/workshops/advanced-occlusionEP779: The Restorative Diagnostic Practice:https://www.actdental.com/blog/779-mckeeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    46 mins
  • 1066: Metric Mondays: Full Schedules Can Still Produce Underperforming Days - Miranda Beeson

    1066: Metric Mondays: Full Schedules Can Still Produce Underperforming Days - Miranda Beeson
    Jun 29 2026
    A full schedule can look productive while still falling short of a practice’s financial goals. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Miranda Beeson, Director of Education at ACT Dental, about why busy days underperform and how production-per-day goals, schedule utilization, patient selection, and block scheduling create greater predictability. You will learn how to evaluate schedule quality, protect high-value clinical time, and help your administrative team make more intentional scheduling decisions. To build a full schedule that supports production, profitability, and a better workday, listen to Episode 1066 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:A full schedule can still underperform when appointments are not aligned with the practice’s production goals.Production-per-day goals should be visible in the practice management software and understood by the entire team.Schedule utilization measures how much available clinical time is being used for patient care.Administrative team members should consider procedure value and patient reliability instead of filling every opening with the first available appointment.A and B patients create greater schedule stability because they are more likely to attend appointments and pay their balances.Block scheduling protects prime clinical time for higher-value treatment and creates more predictable daily production.An ideal day schedule should balance the owner’s preferences, patient needs, and the practice’s production goals.Snippets00:00 Intro01:31 Full schedules can still produce underperforming days.02:18 Why filling every opening does not guarantee productivity.03:13 The importance of production per day and schedule utilization.05:03 Working backward from annual goals to a daily production target.06:39 What an underperforming full schedule looks like.08:13 Why practices should replace like with like when appointments change.10:30 How intentional scheduling supports production goals.12:20 Protecting prime clinical time with block scheduling.13:00 Using the production figure in practice management software before scheduling an appointment.15:05 How comprehensive treatment blocks can create peaceful, productive days.17:06 Displaying production-per-day goals in the practice management software.17:46 Building an ideal day schedule for greater consistency.19:03 The ideal day scheduling guide in the ACT Dental community hub.Guest Bio/Guest ResourcesMiranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.Guest Resource:Ideal Day Scheduling Guide in the ACT Dental community hub:https://www.actdental.com/blog/cut-the-chaos-from-your-scheduleMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSchedule a call with Gina: https://www.actdental.com/schedule-with-ginaSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    21 mins
  • 1065: The Hidden Role of Buy-In in Dental Communication - Melissa Obrotka

    1065: The Hidden Role of Buy-In in Dental Communication - Melissa Obrotka
    Jun 26 2026
    Patients may seem uninterested in their oral health, but the real issue may be that they have not been given a clear reason to participate in their care. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Melissa Obrotka, a dental hygienist and oral-systemic health educator, about helping patients understand what is happening in their mouths and why it matters to their overall health. You will learn how to create patient buy-in, use visual evidence and open-ended questions, calibrate your team, and transition from task-based hygiene to a healthcare-focused approach. To improve communication and help patients take action, listen to Episode 1065 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Dental professionals must help patients understand how oral inflammation and bacteria can affect systemic health.Team calibration requires dedicated non-patient time to establish shared clinical standards, protocols, and expectations.Disclosing biofilm gives patients visual evidence that helps them understand disease, inflammation, and areas of risk.Open-ended questions and motivational interviewing can uncover the fear or previous experiences behind patient resistance.Providers can challenge patients directly while acknowledging their choices and asking permission to explain clinical concerns.Hygienists earn healthcare-level compensation by consistently delivering comprehensive healthcare rather than limited task-based services.Dentists and hygienists should learn and implement an oral-systemic approach together so patients receive consistent care.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:00 Why patients may appear not to care about their oral health.02:20 Melissa’s background in dental hygiene and oral-systemic education.03:45 The relationship between oral inflammation, bacteria, and systemic health.06:05 How hygienists inherit task-based systems and schedules.09:05 Why dental hygienists may be the most important healthcare providers patients see all year.10:55 The need to schedule non-patient time for team calibration.12:00 How disclosing biofilm creates patient buy-in.13:45 Connecting periodontal charting, radiographs, bleeding, and visible bacteria.16:00 The expanding research on oral and systemic health.18:35 Using questions and motivational interviewing with resistant patients.22:00 How to care deeply while challenging patients directly.24:20 Melissa’s perspective on dental hygiene as a career.28:45 Melissa’s courses at The Exchange.31:10 Final thoughts on helping patients care and take action.32:00 Why dentists and hygienists should attend training together.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Melissa A Obrotka, BA, RDH, holds over 25 years of experience in the dental field and concentrated clinical experience with the dental implant patient population. Melissa’s core objectives for her patients in specialty perio/prosthodontics are focused on a “whole-listic” approach to dental prevention, disease remission, and therapies that encompass total body health and wellness. Her approach to patient care is focused on biofilm disruption strategies for periodontal and peri-implant health and longevity while providing healthcare advocacy to patients. In addition, Obrotka is a dental hygiene motivator, educator, podcast host, change agent, influencer, and industry thought leader. Obrotka serves as a clinical adjunct professor at her alma mater, Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, where she elevated clinical education by instructing students on the oral microbiome, biofilm disruption and introduced the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) methodology. Obrotka was nationally recognized in 2016 as a Master Clinician for her outstanding clinical expertise. In 2017, Obrotka was named one of the “Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know’’ in the clinincal practice category by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.Resources mentioned in the episode:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthebadasshygienist/Website: https://itsthebadasshygienist.comMentioned Programs:No More Ignored Advice &The Biology Led Hygiene Appointment: https://www.itsthebadasshygienist.com/speaking-the-badass-hygienist-melissa-obrotka-rdhOPSM Framework: Oral Prevention is Systemic Medicine: https://www.itsthebadasshygienist.com/opsm-framework-courseMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    35 mins